The Jewish world Jesus lived in was a world under foreign occupation. The Romans were in charge, and from the Jewish perspective, Roman occupation meant the exile wasn’t completely over. And that brought new realities and new tensions. 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we explore both the blessings and curses of the Roman presence in Galilee and Judea, how Jesus engaged with that Roman presence, and what that teaches us. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

When you turn the page from Malachi to Matthew, 400 years have passed. Much has happened to the Jews and life hasn't been easy. Centuries of foreign occupation. Generations have come and gone longing and aching for God to act. Yet the heavens seem silent. When will God fulfill his promise to Abraham and all his glorious promises in the prophets? 

This is the world Jesus grew up in. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Spiritual drift is a real possibility for any one of us. Our faith becomes second nature. Then routine. Then blah. And then ...

Apathy creeps in, slowly but persistently until we find ourselves distant and disconnected from God. 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, I share the story of a regular listener who grew up going to church, was saved at 11, and never didn't consider himself a Christian. 

But spiritual drift slowly moved him away from God. 

He shares what caused the drift for him and what brought the drift to an end. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

In this special episode of the Bible in Life podcast John shares part of his conversation with Jeremy Norton, a pastor in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Jeremy has seen many people come to Christ through his ministry in Whitehorse. 

To learn more about Jeremy, visit https://www.leadbiblically.com/

And to check out his new book titled Meeting Jesus: The Transformational Encounters of John’s Gospel, click here. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

*Book links are affiliate links which means I recieve a small commission at no extra charge to you. 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we think through a question sent in by a listener who asked, why does it seem like the Spirit fails to transform some people? We explore:

• the tension of the already-not yet
• our need to partner with the Spirit
• the importance of recognizing that we all start at different places 
• the failure of the Church in the way we preach the gospel and teach about the Spirit 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

One of the keys to life in the Spirit is what we allow to fill and occupy our minds. The apostle Paul writes, "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God." (Romans 8:5-8). 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Christians of all kinds regularly celebrate the Lord's Supper or Communion or the Eucharist. Jesus instituted this commemorative meal during what has come to be known as the Last Supper, a Passover meal He celebrated with his disciples the night before his crucifixion. In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we look at the original setting and historical background to the Lord's Supper which deepens its meaning and our experience of it. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

How does the Holy Spirit help us pray? What does it mean to pray in the Spirit? 

Ephesians 6:18

"With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints"

Romans 8:26-27

 Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Ephesians 5:15-18 says, "15 So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit" 

As we continue our series on "Life in the Spirit," in this episode of the Bible in Life podcast we reflect on what it means to be "filled with the Spirit." 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Galatians 5:16 says, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." This is the basic behavioral command for Christians. We can obey all other commands only insofar as we are obeying this command, because the Spirit's presence and power is what enables the transformation necessary to become the kind of person who can obey the other commands. 

So how do we walk by the Spirit? 

Tune in to this episode of the Bible in Life podcast for some reflections on how to walk by the Spirit.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we explore how the coming of the Spirit was promised in the prophets and is one of the key things that is new in the New Covenant. We also show how all-encompassing the Spirit's role is in our Christian life.

• Jesus promised the Spirit to us in his absence -Jn 14:16-17
• The Holy Spirit revealed and inspired the Scripture--2 Pet 1:20-21; Eph 3:5-7
• The Holy Spirit unifies the body--1 Cor 12:12-13
• The Holy Spirit renews us--Titus 3:5
• The Holy Spirit seals us as belonging to God--Eph. 1:13; 4:30
• The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our resurrection--  Eph 1:14; Rom. 8:9-11
• The Holy Spirit helps us resist sin--Rom. 8:13T
• The Holy Spirit empowers us for godliness and ministry – Eph. 3:16
• The Holy Spirit produces the fruit of Chrislikeness in us – Gal. 5:22-23
• The Holy Spirit testifies that we are children of God – Rom. 8:15-16; Gal. 4:6
• The Holy Spirit helps us pray – Rom. 8:26-27; Eph. 6:18
• The Holy Spirit helps us understand God's love – Rom. 5:5  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we start a new series on "Life in the Spirit." To do that, we explore what we, as human beings, are here for... why do we exist? And how does that relate to life in the Spirit and to Spiritual growth? 

By the end of this episode you will understand what the main thing is that Spiritual growth is all about. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Let's be honest... The book of Revelation is weird. It's hard. There are things that make you go "huh?" And many Christians (perhaps most) just avoid it because of that. 

But Revelation is incredibly powerful! 

And though we may struggle to figure all of it out, the overall message and purpose is quite clear. In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast we explore who Revelation is for and what it is seeking to accomplish. In short, we answer the question, Why does Revelation matter? 

Free Guide to Revelation: 

https://listenerscommentary.com/revelation/

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

The goal of our Bible reading is not merely to know the Bible. It's ultimately to have our life be shaped by the Bible so that we come to know God and image Him in the way we live. In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast we explore the first two of five reading practices the help our life actually be shaped by the Bible. 

1. Read Prayerfully

2. Read Reflectively 

3. Read Repeatedly 

4. Read Imaginatively 

5. Read Obediently 

Bonus: Read honestly with humility and self awareness

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

The goal of our Bible reading is not merely to know the Bible. It's ultimately to have our life be shaped by the Bible so that we come to know God and image Him in the way we live. In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast we explore the first two of five reading practices the help our life actually be shaped by the Bible. 

1. Read Prayerfully

2. Read Reflectively 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." So what does that mean when we fail to keep his commands? What about someone who loves Jesus and desires to remain in Him, but doesn't always keep His commands? Do that person actually love Jesus? 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we explore the relationship between loving Jesus, obedience, and God's grace. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

There are two main components to growing in Christlikeness - putting off vice and putting on virtue. You see this all throughout the New Testament. 

For example, Colossians 3:5-9 concerns behaviors to be eliminated and 3:12-17 lists virtues to cultivate. 

You find this same pattern all throughout the New Testament. 

And in every place, we have are called to act. In other words, cultivating virtue doesn't happen on accident. It requires intentional effort, albeit effort enabled by God's grace through the Spirit. 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast we consider some of the  things we can do to cultivate specific virtues. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

In this episode I share two big truths about kids from the Bible that shapes the way we relate to our kids and parent our kids. 

Proverbs 22:15

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.

Mark 10:13-16

13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He would touch them; but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, “Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” 16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us; and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

It used to be common to describe someone who was particularly devout as "God fearing," but that phrase is rarely used any more. But the Bible does call God's people to fear the Lord and promises good blessings for those who are God fearing. So what does it mean to fear God in the Bible? 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Why does Jesus say that he preaches the gospel of the kingdom of God? 

The way the gospel is talked about by Christians today usually has little if anything to do with the kingdom of God. Usually Christians describe the gospel as being about Jesus' death and resurrection and how people can be saved. 

So what exactly is the gospel and how does it relate to the kingdom of God? 

Note: this episode comes about in answer to a question sent in by a faithful listener. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

I saw this question recently: It doesn't seem as if God's plans are working out too well. Humans are loyal to him; only Jesus has been. The Holy Spirit doesn't seem to be making much of a difference. So how is God going to have loyal human partners and work out his plans? 

But this question misunderstands the entire storyline of the Bible. It fails to understand that "In hope we are saved" (Romans 8:24).  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, I share the more lessons I am learning about faithfully serving God from Paul's example in 2 Corinthians. The full list of five things we reflect on in this two-part series are:

1. the connection between God's faithfulness and our integrity

2. embodying the cross 

3. celebrating our weaknesses

4. confidence in God over self-confidence

5. setting our eyes on our eternal hope

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, I share the first 2 and half lessons I am learning about faithfully serving God from Paul's example in 2 Corinthians. We reflect on:

-the connection between God's faithfulness and our integrity

-embodying the cross 

-celebrating our weaknesses

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

Once we start following Jesus, we don't stop living public lives in which we interact with people who don't follow Jesus. So how should we relate to unbelievers in our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and online? And how does our salvation affect our interactions with unbelievers? 

Titus 3:1-7  

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John reflects on Titus 2:11-14, considering four key differences the grace of God makes in our life.

Titus 2:11-14  

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.

According to the apostles of Jesus, the best way for Christians to fight slander against them and their beliefs is to live in such a way that the criticisms don't stick, especially with those who actually know them and live next to them and work with them. In fact, in Titus 2:1-10, Paul repeats this refrain three times, ending with the idea that by our way of life we should make the teaching about Jesus beautiful and attractive.

Titus 2:1-10

2:1 But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

6 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

9 Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not stealing, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.  

What are some indicators of unsound teachers in the church? Why does sound teach matter so much? In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John reflects on Titus 1:10-16 to answer these questions. 

Titus 1:10-16

10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X,  via email.

Shepherding is greater than leadership. 

The consistent image for leaders in the Bible is shepherds. And shepherds are among the sheep. Shepherds know the sheep and the sheep know them. 

Shepherds provide for and protect the sheep. 

This is why churches must have good shepherds - leaders, elders, overseers who embody godly character and serve the sheep as shepherds. 

Titus 1:5-9

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion.

 7 For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined, 9 holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

We never outgrow the fundamentals. This is true in sports or music or an everyday activity like driving. And it's also true in our Christian life. 

In fact, when life seems overwhelming or confusing or uncertain, one of the best practices is to return to the fundamentals. As Paul opens his letter to his colleague Titus, he reminds him of 4 fundamentals of the Christian life. 

Titus 1:1-4

1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, 3 but at the proper time revealed His word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior;

4 To Titus, my true son in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Penal Substitutionary Atonement has been understood as one aspect of what it means that Jesus died for our sins. The basic idea is this: by dying in our place, Jesus' death achieved paid the penalty for our sins. 

My guess is, that sounds very familiar to you. It's been a very common and central understanding of Jesus' death. But in recent years it's become in vogue to dismiss this idea as beneath the dignity of a God of love. 

So is it false?

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode John reflects on the importance of self-awareness, self-honesty, and confession for spiritual growth and human flourishing. 

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

It's common to tell kids "to do all things without grumbling or complaining." But who reminds us adults of that? 

Let's talk about it together. 

Bible Passages for this Episode: 

Do all things without complaining or arguments; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world

-Philippians 2:14-15

Numbers 11:1-6

1Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the ears of the Lord; and the Lord heard them and His anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some at the outskirts of the camp. 2 The people then cried out to Moses; and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died out. 3 So that place was named Taberah, because the fire of the Lord burned among them.

4 Now the rabble who were among them had greedy cravings; and the sons of Israel also wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish which we used to eat for free in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna!”

Numbers 14:1-4

Then all the congregation raised their voices and cried out, and the people wept that night. 2 And all the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the entire congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or even if we had died in this wilderness! 3 So why is the Lord bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder! Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 So they said to one another, “Let’s appoint a leader and return to Egypt!”  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Narrative, i.e., stories, is the most common form of literature in the Bible. And there are some exciting and even wild stories in the Old Testament. But how do those stories apply to our life? 

The New Testament affirms that they're written for our benefit. 

Romans 15:4 "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."

1 Corinthians 10:6 and 11

"Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they indeed craved them."

"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come."

But how do they instruct us? How can we read Old Testament stories faithfully as the people of God today? 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In the New Testament, the most important thing about Christian leaders is their character. There is almost no discussion of what leaders do; the priority is who leaders are.

Key passages for this episode: 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

This question came in from a listener and I decided to address it immediately, because it's important and timely. 

Key Bible passages mentioned in this episode. 

Genesis 3:16-19

16 To the woman He said,

“I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you shall deliver children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.”

17 Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’;

Cursed is the ground because of you; With hard labor you shall eat from it All the days of your life. 18 Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; Yet you shall eat the plants of the field; 19 By the sweat of your face You shall eat bread, Until you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.”

Romans 8:18-23

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. 23 And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. 

Revelation 21:1-4

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4 and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

For another episode where I explore this topic:

https://www.johnwhittaker.net/podcast-1/episode-151

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Paul's leadership and ministry is weak to all appearances, and the Corinthian church isn't impressed. They prefer their leaders with more charisma and credentials and power than Paul has. 

In 2 Corinthians, Paul explains that his ministry takes the shape it does for a very good reason and even though its unimpressive by the standards of the world, it's full of God's power and it doesn't indicate any inferiority or inadequacy. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Kyle Strobel is a theologian at Biola University focused on spiritual theology, and he is the head of the Institute of Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology. He’s also a teaching elder at his church. He, along with John Coe, has written what I consider to be one of the best books on prayer titled Where Prayer Becomes Real. 

Earlier this year via his Substack, Kyle sent out a blog titled “Why Discipleship Doesn’t Work,” which pointed to the release of a mini-course on his Substack on “Reimagining Discipleship.” In it, Kyle questioned the entire discipleship framework that has been re-emphasized for the last 30+ years. Kyle’s major contention is that the framework of disciple and discipleship is a pre-Pentecost approach to following Jesus, it’s not found in the New Testament after Jesus’ ascension, and it is thus not a paradigm the church is meant to follow. 

I resonated with a lot of what Kyle had to say but also found several things where I think he overstates his case. So we decided to record a conversation exploring the question of whether or not discipleship is the mission of the church today and the paradigm for spiritual growth. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

The focus of the leadership books, conferences and trainings of the last 25 years or so has been on organizational leadership. This has created a situation where good christian leaders are people who can grow big and impressive orgs. 

But for Paul the standard is different... the way he thinks and talks about leadership as a Christian is focused on developing people not organizations.

Colossians 1:28-29

28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me.

2 Corinthians 11:2-3

2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ.

Galatians 4:19-20

19 My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you— 20 but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone of voice, for I am at a loss about you!

The primary metric Paul used to evaluate effective Christian leadership is people being formed into Christlikeness. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

How does Paul understand what his authority is for?

2 Corinthians 10:8

For if I boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame,

2 Corinthians 13:9-10

9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak, but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you become mature. 10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

2 Corinthians 12:19

19 All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for building you up, beloved.

2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4

23 But I call God as witness to my soul, that it was to spare you that I did not come again to Corinth. 24 Not that we domineer over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm. 2:1 But I decided this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again. 2 For if I cause you sorrow, who then will be the one making me glad but the one who is made sorrowful by me? 3 This is the very thing I wrote you, so that when I came, I would not have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice; having confidence in you all that my joy was the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Romans 8 teaches two great truths about grace that can change your life: 

Truth #1 - "no condemnation"

Truth #2 - "life in the Spirit" 

Romans 8:1-4

Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh

Romans 8:12-13

So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— 13 for if you are living in accord with the flesh, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 

Romans 8:31-39

31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; 34 who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, but rather, was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or trouble, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 Just as it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long; We were regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Psalm 131 

1 My heart is not proud, Lord,     my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters     or things too wonderful for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,     I am like a weaned child with its mother;     like a weaned child I am content.

3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord     both now and forevermore.

Psalm 62:5-8

5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;     my hope comes from him. 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;     he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;     he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, you people;     pour out your hearts to him,     for God is our refuge.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email. 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast John and Steven think through 1 Peter 3:18-21. What does it mean that Jesus preached to the spirits in prison? And what does it mean that baptism saves you?

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode of the Bible and Life podcast John and Steven reflect on the situation facing the original audience of 1 Peter and the difference that makes to our life today. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In the episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John and Steven reflect on 1 Peter and what it teaches about lifestyle evangelism. Two key Bible passages from 1 Peter in this episode are: 

1 Peter 3:14-15 - Always be ready to give an answer 

 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be in dread, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect;

1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Royal Priesthood 

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Philip Nation

Philip Nation is the Vice-President/Publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles. He has served as a pastor, church planter, and education minister in local churches. He frequently travels to speak in churches and for conferences. Philip earned a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has authored and edited numerous books and Bible studies. Philip is a University Fellow for Arizona Christian University and has been a professor for Union University and Houston Christian University.

Philip's Social Link:

https://x.com/philipnation

Learn more about The OPEN Bible HERE 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:3-5

Boasting in suffering seems to make no sense. Are Christians masochists who love suffering and pain? What are we actually boasting in when we boast in our sufferings and why do we do that? 

Tune in to this episode of the Bible in Life podcast to think through what it means to boast in our sufferings. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

9 Now the brother or sister of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 but the rich person is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so also the rich person, in the midst of his pursuits, will die out. - James 1:9-11

How is being poor and lowly a high position and why should we boast in that? That seems backwards, but it's the wisdom James offers. James' line of reasoning is  thus like that of  the Psalmist in Psalm 37. 

Tune in to this episode of the Bible in Life podcast to think through how people who have very little can boast in their high position. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Why would anyone choose to boast about what makes them seem unimpressive or like a loser? That doesn't make any sense. And yet that's what Paul means when he says that he will boast in his weaknesses. 

Tune in to this episode of the Bible in Life podcast to think through what it means to boast in our weaknesses. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. - Galatians 6:14

What does it mean to boast in the cross? And why is boasting in the cross so shocking?

Revelation Study Guide - https://listenerscommentary.com/revelation/

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Using Aristotle's four causes as a tool to think through the nature of spiritual growth, John provides a basic spiritual theology: what is the "material" spiritual growth works with and on? What is the essence of spiritual growth? What is the key thing that brings about spiritual growth? And what is the aim or goal of spiritual growth in our lives? 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John and Steven explore this question: Does grace mean God lowers the bar of his expectations for his children? Does it mean since he knows they'll never actually measure up that he just lowers the standard? Should we are Christians act like sin is no big deal because God is gracious? 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John and Steven reflect on the nature of sin. Is sin merely breaking God's rules or some religious laws? If we're forgiven, does God no longer see our sin? And what does John mean by saying the person who is born of God does not sin? 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

First John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But if our sins are already forgiven, why do need to confess them? 

That's the question Steven and John explore in this episode of the Bible in Life podcast. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In the episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John explores 1 Timothy 1:1-2 and reflects on how the faith gets passed down from one generation to the next. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this part of my conversation with Kyle Strobel we explore what it looks like to be honest with God, the very theme of the book Where Prayer Becomes Real. As Kyle says, "Prayer is the place we draw near in the truth to offer ourselves to the Lord."

Being honest with God depends our view of God and one way to think about who God is, is to think about what God can hear. 

Kyle Strobel is a systematic theologian who teaches spiritual theology for Talbot’s Institute for Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Formation Focus programs. His areas of interest include systematic theology, Jonathan Edwards, spiritual formation and prayer. He writes both popular and academic books and articles, and is on the preaching team at Redeemer Church, La Mirada.

Book: Where Prayer Becomes Real

https://amzn.to/3Wd2uOo 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

*Book link is an affiliate link

In this part of my conversation with Kyle Strobel, we consider the longing for depth of meaning and belonging. Many people are coming to recognize the thinness of their busy lives, which lack any real sense of transcendence, any space for self-examination and reflection, and any deep experience of belonging. We need a way of life that creates space for real connection with God and with others.

Kyle Strobel is a systematic theologian who teaches spiritual theology for Talbot’s Institute for Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Formation Focus programs. His areas of interest include systematic theology, Jonathan Edwards, spiritual formation and prayer. He writes both popular and academic books and articles, and is on the preaching team at Redeemer Church, La Mirada.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

This is part 1 of my conversation with Kyle Strobel. One of the major themes of this episode is the messiness of prayer and the messiness of spiritual formation. We explore why this is and that the remedy is NOT just adding spiritual disciplines to your life. 

Kyle Strobel is a systematic theologian who teaches spiritual theology for Talbot’s Institute for Spiritual Formation and Spiritual Formation Focus programs. His areas of interest include systematic theology, Jonathan Edwards, spiritual formation and prayer. He writes both popular and academic books and articles, and is on the preaching team at Redeemer Church, La Mirada.

Book: Where Prayer Becomes Real

https://amzn.to/3Wd2uOo 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

*Book link is an affiliate link

The heart of living as a disciple of Jesus is living a with-God life. This is fundamentally what it means to "walk by or with the Spirit" in Galatians 5:16. This is what Jesus taught us when he said "abide in me" (John 15:1-11). 

This is the remedy for  our deepest problems.

Book: Where Prayer Becomes Real

https://amzn.to/3Wd2uOo

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

*Book link is an affiliate link

A special bonus episode of the Bible in Life podcast featuring actress, author, speaker and homechooling advocate Sam Sorbo. Sam is married to actor Kevin Sorbo. They have raised three kids, whom Sam passionately homeschooled.

Sam and Kevin recently released a new Christmas devotional titled Christmas for 40 Days: A Loving Celebration-  https://shop.sorbostudios.com/product/p/rnqjkqv

In this wide-ranging conversation Sam and John talk about the Sorbo's love for Christmas and what Sam's hope is for this new Christmas devotional. We also talk about Sam's passion for homeschooling and whether or not your kids should go to college... and whole lot more. 

I hope you enjoy listening in as Sam and I spend a little time getting to know each other. 

To learn more about Sam:

https://sorbostudios.com/home-page

To order the Christmas devotional:

https://amzn.to/3ZFhXsE

To learn more about the Washington D.C. tour:

https://christianexpedition.com/tour/8815/

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Bless the Lord, my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. 2 Bless the Lord, my soul, And do not forget any of His benefits; 3 Who pardons all your guilt, Who heals all your diseases; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with favor and compassion; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

6 The Lord performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the sons of Israel. 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always contend with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our guilty deeds. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our wrongdoings from us. 13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our form; He is mindful that we are nothing but dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass; Like a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place no longer knows about it. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting for those who fear Him, And His justice to the children’s children, 18 To those who keep His covenant And remember His precepts, so as to do them.

19 The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word! 21 Bless the Lord, all you His angels, You who serve Him, doing His will. 22 Bless the Lord, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion; Bless the Lord, my soul!

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In a conversation with Peter, Jesus instructs us to forgive 70 times 7. He then tells a story that shows us what forgiveness actually means, and it's incredibly helpful. In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast John shares a sermon exploring how we deal with sin in the new family of Jesus and what it means to forgive. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In the episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John preaches on Hebrews 7 and intriguing Bible character named Melchizedek. Why does author of Hebrews bring up Melchizedek and why does it matter for us today?

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?)

In this episode of the Bible in Life John and Steven discuss what exactly it means that church leaders must manage their own household well. And what about the parallel in Titus 1:6 about having children who believe? Does having an adult son or daughter who walks away from the faith automatically disqualify someone from church leadership? 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John and Steven wrap up their discussion of rewards in heaven by exploring the question of why learning what the Bible says about rewards matters.

Many of the passages where the idea of rewards shows up have to do with endurance:

Matthew 5:10-12

10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; 27 but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Some passages, especially in the parables of Jesus such as the parable of the minas in Luke 19, seem to suggest that there are degrees of rewards. That is, some people get more than others. 

But other Bible passages seem at odds with that. 

So in the episode of the Bible in Life podcast, Steven and John wrestle with the question, Are there degrees of reward in heaven? 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, Steven and John explore the kinds of things promised to God's people as rewards. And the distinctive thing is that the rewards promised fit the person and their life. In other words, the rewards aren't arbitrary. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John and Steven introduce the topic of rewards in heaven and explore if it's in some way less honorable to seek God for a good reward. 

Bible Passages mentioned:

Hebrews 11

6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him. 

9 By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country which they left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.  

C. S. Lewis Quote:

If there lurks in most modern minds the notion that to desire our own good and earnestly to hope for the enjoyment of it is a bad thing, I submit that this notion has crept in from [Immanuel] Kant and the Stoics and is no part of the Christian faith. Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak.

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God.3 And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

The basic human response to God as their Creator is gratitude according to Romans 1:21 (which Paul says humans typically fail to do). In this episode of the Bible in Life, John offers a reflection on what we can be grateful for and what ultimately that means for our life as followers of Jesus.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

God's wrath is a forgotten topic in many churches today. We prefer to talk about his love and mercy, not his wrath. 

But God's wrath is part of the good news, and it is that in a couple different ways. 

In this episode we explore why we actually want and need the wrath of God. 

Romans 1:18

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

Romans 2:5-6

5 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,6 who will repay each person according to his deeds

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

On this episode of the Bible in Life podcast Steven asks John several lingering questions related to practicing the way of Jesus. 

-How can we pray without ceasing?

-How can we measure spiritual growth?

-Besides the spiritual disciplines, what are some other factors that are important to spiritual growth?

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

This question derives from the reaction of a number of Christians who suppose that we’re so sinful we could never really ever be holy. Some have even said that to suggest that Christians can and should be holy by default indicates some sort of legalism or self-righteousness or works righteousness or something like that. 

So in this episode of the Bible in Life podcast John and Steven explore that question, can we really be holy? 

Key Bible verses: 

-1 Pet 1:14-16

14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

-Heb 12:14

-Matt 5:48

One important idea: Holiness is not antithetical to our humanness; it’s actually the fulfillment of it. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Being a disciple means arranging your life to be with Jesus in order to become like Jesus. 

And being like him entails two aspects - becoming like him in character and like him in mission. So what does it mean to become like Jesus in mission? 

On this episode of the Bible in Life podcast John and Steven explore how we can be involved in the mission of Jesus. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Why is it important to acknowledge the presence and role of our body in discipleship to Jesus and spiritual growth? How do we walk by the Spirit as disciples of Jesus? 

Some key texts related to this episode:

Romans 6:12-14

Romans 7

Romans 8:1-12

Galatians 5:16-24

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode of Bible in Life podcast, John and Steven discuss this question: how do we cooperate with God to become like Jesus? 

We explore Roman 6, looking at what God has done to make Christlikeness possible and what we need to do in order to embody that truth. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode, we explore five keys for creating a culture of discipleship and disciple making in the local church. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, John and Steven explore why becoming like Jesus is the very best thing we could ever do. It's good for us, good for our families, good for our communities and the world. 

And it's right in sync with who we are as human beings!

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

At the core of being a disciple is being with your rabbi. In our case that means being with Jesus. But it's different now than it was when Jesus physically walked the hills of Galilee with his disciples. So how can we be with Jesus today? 

That's the question John and Steven explore in this episode of the Bible in Life podcast. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Jesus' call to us is NOT to be a good church member. His call is to be his disciple. What is a disciple? What did Jesus picture when he calls us to be disciples? 

On this episode, we begin a new era of the Bible in Life podcast by bringing in Steven Norris to cohost the show with John, and they begin by exploring this central them of discipleship to Jesus. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Nick Cady is the lead pastor at White Fields Community Church in Longmont, CO. He served for 18 years on the mission field and is part of the leadership team for the Expositors Collective. He's also the host of the Theology for the People podcast.

Midway through this discussion we process the discipleship pathway for Nick's church. To see that click here.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Jesus' death accomplishes much more than we often realize. Speaking of the benefits of Jesus' death and resurrection, Colossians 2:15 says, "When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him."

In this episode we reflect on what this means for us.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this present world, suffering is everywhere and pain is unavoidable. And western societies don't know what to do with this fact. Suffering is an interruption. It's always bad and has no value.

But not in the Bible. Not to Jesus. And not to the Apostle Paul. He writes, 

"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions in behalf of His body, which is the church."  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: 16 for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Becoming a Christian entails a rescue operation in which we are delivered from the realm where darkness reigned to the realm where Jesus is King. 

13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Prayer is challenging. 

One of the ways we can learn to pray is by reading and reflecting on the prayers of God's saints in the Bible. So I find Paul's prayers to be insightful and challenging.

Colossians 1:3-12

3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5 because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth; 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

What is God like? What kind of Father is He?

This sermon introduces the Trinity and reflects on God as Father, helping us see that knowing God as Father is good for us. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

On this episode we wrap up our series on Faith and Politics with four final reflections. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Fact: it’s easier to criticize “them” - those people out there - than to do the hard work needed to offer something better.

Post mocking memes.

Ridicule on Reels. 

Use spiteful or derogatory rhetoric. 

That’s easy. 

But the early Christians model a more powerful path. They show us what's better than criticizing the culture and what's more powerful for changing culture. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Since the New Testament, describes those of us who follow Jesus as foreigners and exiles, how does God want people to live in exile? In this episode, we look at Jeremiah 29 and 1 Peter 2-3 to answer that question. 

Jeremiah 29:4-7

4 “This is what the Lord of armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 ‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and father sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may give birth to sons and daughters; and grow in numbers there and do not decrease. 7 Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord in its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity.’

1 Peter 2:11-12

11 Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against the soul. 12 Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God on the day of visitation.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode, I offer some reflections on two questions:

1. With all the anxiety, fear, and emotion around the political season, what should the disposition of disciples of Jesus be?

2. When should we disobey the governing authorities? 

At the heart of this episode is this: as disciples of Jesus our deepest allegiance is to Jesus and His kingdom and hope lies with Him. So our investment of energy and emotion is with that kingdom, and our prayer is "Your kingdom come, Your will be done." 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Christianity emerged in a world vastly different from the values espoused by followers of Christ. Slavery was assumed a necessary part of a functioning society and slaves could be thought of as living property and tools. An adulterous wife was a disgrace to be dealt with harshly, but men were free (even expected!) to have numerous sexual partners. Infants were routinely abandoned, left in the wild to die. Care for the poor, weak, and marginalized was laughable, contrary to all good sense. And a god who would sacrifice himself for others by dying the most shameful death of all could be pictured as a jackass on a cross!

But as Christianity spread, the values of Christ - values now taken for granted as good and right - transformed the Roman Empire and the world. 

To be fair, the Church has not always lived up to the values she espouses. Nevertheless, over the course of history the values of the Christian faith have brought great good to the world and our society needs Christians to bring these values into the world today. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Here’s a question for you: are you an American who happens to be a Christian or are you a Christian who happens to live in America? 

In other words, what is your core identity that shapes your beliefs, values, and practices? Is it being citizen of the USA (or whatever country you live in)? Or is it your allegiance to King Jesus? 

Philippians 3:20 says that followers of Jesus are citizens of heaven, regardless of what city or nation they live in. 

And 1 Peter says we are exiles and foreigners. 

What does all of this mean for how we engage with our society and the politics of our country?

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com.

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

The Bible is a bit conflicted about human government.

In an ideal world, God would be king and his will would be done on earth as in heaven. Humans would live in loyal partnership with him and serve a viceroys of his rule, extending his aims and agendas on earth. That was the plan when God created the world and human beings.

The problem? We don’t live in an ideal world.

We live after the fall in Genesis 3 and outside of Eden. So now it’s fair to say that most people don’t submit to God’s kingship. Many who claim actually don’t. And even those who do, do so incompletely and imperfectly. 

This is where government comes in. Human government is necessary to manage and mitigate that chaos that ensues when humans are left to their own devices.

This episode explores how it's supposed to do that. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

The fact is that since the beginning proclaiming Jesus as Lord has been a political statement with huge implications. For example, in Thessalonica, the accusation agains the apostle Paul was that he acted "contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus" (Acts 17:7). 

So our loyalty to King Jesus has to shape our political engagement. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

• You make the sports team, so now you have to go to practices and train. 
• You get your driver's license, so now you have to follow the rules of the road.
• You become a pet owner, so now you have to feed and care for the animal. 

And the same is true in God's kingdom. Being "saved" brings specific responsibilities. In other words, you're saved; now live like it!

This episode of the Bible in Life explores that theme from 1 Peter 1:10-21. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Question 1 - How can I deal with doubts and uncertainties that arise along the journey of life?

The key thing here is honesty. You’ll probably never have 100% absolute certainty on everything (I don’t) and but loyal trust is key. And keep your eyes focused on Jesus, confident that he rose from the dead. 

Question 2 - What are some important life lessons or advice you would give to a young person like me, seeking to make a positive impact in the world?

The most important advice I could give you is “you give away who you are.” 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.  

Listener Questions:

1. How can I discover and pursue my true calling or purpose in life?

2. What principles and values should I prioritize to live a life in accordance with my Christian beliefs?

3. Are there any practical steps or habits I can incorporate into my daily routine that would help me stay on the right path?  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Feedback can be hard. It can sting. But...

We can't grow and change without it. 

Receiving feedback is essential if we want to grow as a person and as a disciple. 

In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, I explore how we can learn to receive feedback well. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Becoming like Jesus from the inside out takes intentional effort. Paul uses athletic imagery for it, comparing it to going to the gym and getting in shape and to an athlete who is training for a contest. In this episode we give 4 keys for training to become godly. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

That's the heart behind the Bible in Life story. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

You want to be with someone you love... and they, if they love you, want to be with you.

And Advent is about presence... coming to be with. It really is the culmination of the whole story of the Bible because the Bible is a true love story. 

So in the episode we wrap up out Advent series by reflection on God's loving presence. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

The angels announcing the news of Jesus' birth proclaimed,"Peace on Earth!"

But ...

Even though Jesus has come, the world is still full of unpeace. Wars. Famine. Political infighting. Hostility. Inflation. Conflict of all kinds.

Where's the peace and how can I have it?

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33. 

Let's talk about Advent Peace. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Why? How? 

The world can seem pretty bleak. Does realism make joy senseless? 

Or is there good reason for joy even in a dark world?

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

We stand between Jesus' first advent and his second. And in this place we can look back at what God already has done to fulfill his promises. 

And yet...

There's still more. 

So we live in hope, waiting, like children who can't wait for Christmas, eagerly looking for Christ to come again!

Romans 8:18-25

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the eagerly awaiting creation waits for the revealing of the sons and daughters of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.23 And not only that, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons and daughters, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, through perseverance we wait eagerly for it.  

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

What does it mean to be "made in the image of God"? 

And why does that matter? What difference does it make that you and I and everyone else is made as the image of God? 

On this episode, Dr. Carmen Imes helps us explore this subject. Dr. Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University). She has written several books and her most recent book, Being God's Image, is the topic of this conversation. 

Learn more from Carmen on Torah Tuesdays on Youtube 

Buy the Book: Being God's Image

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Note: some links are affiliate links meaning I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

Human beings are meaning-seeking creatures. We need purpose and meaning for our life. So why do you and I exist? 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Are God's commands arbitrary religious laws? 

Are they true just because they're in the Bible? 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

The apostles passed on this teaching too. Paul writes, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14). And Peter puts it like this: "not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead" (1 Peter 3:9). 

So how can you become the kind of person who lives this way routinely? 

In this episode, we reflect on 1 Peter 3:9-12 to think through how we can learn to bless those who curse us. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

In this episode, I discuss the topic of deconstructing without deconverting with John Marriott. 

John teaches at Biola University and Whittier Christian High School. He has a Phd in Intercultural Studies and his expertise is this very topic of deconstruction. 

For resources and more about John: https://www.johnmarriott.org

To buy Set Adrift: https://amzn.to/3S7crfc

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

*Purchase links are affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

In some mysterious way, God's sovereignty oversees the steps of our life. How does that work out? We may never know with absolute certainty, but in Acts 19-28 we see a living example of how a person plans his way but the Lord directs his steps. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.  

The challenge is real because people are all so different when it comes to religion. Some have a religious background but not a Christian background. Some have no religious background at all. Some have a Christian background but have rejected it as an adult. Some are hostile towards the Bible and Jesus. 

In such a milieu, you can't share the gospel the same way to each person. And Paul models this for us in Acts 17 and 13. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net.  

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Does God always answer prayer? Not the way we often think. And the Bible doesn't hide from this fact. It teaches us that God is a real person who makes real decisions in response to our prayers and Acts 12 is a good example of this. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.

Luke, the author of Acts, told the story about Ananias and Sapphira for a very important reason. The message of that story holds a very important lesson for us as the church today. 

Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: 

https://www.johnwhittaker.net

Support this ministry:

Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below.

http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/

The Listener’s Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: 

https://www.listenerscommentary.com

Connect with John:

Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram

Email - john@johnwhittaker.net

If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, via email.